Recovery is about so much more than stopping a harmful behaviour. It is about rebuilding confidence, rediscovering yourself and finding people who understand your journey without judgement.
For many people taking that first step into a room full of strangers can feel daunting. But what they often find at Motiv8’s Peer Mentor ‘Take Over Tuesday’ Group is something they may not have experienced for a long time – acceptance, understanding and a genuine sense of belonging.
Thea Ozenturk, Motiv8’s CEO is keen to talk about why it is important to have an active team of Peer Mentors ‘They have walked their own recovery journeys, they know the challenges, the setbacks and the victories because they have lived through them themselves.’ She added ‘Today our Peer Mentors choose to give something back by creating a safe, welcoming space where others can feel heard, supported and never judged. Having studied with us over a 12 month period and becoming accredited Peer Mentors the team have shown such strength and resilience and continue to show this to others walking their own journeys.’
One of our Peer Mentors explains what makes the group so special:
‘What I enjoy most about running the Peer Mentor Take Over Tuesday groups is being able to hold a safe space where people can come together and connect without being judged.
I love seeing people grow, gain confidence and make connections with other service users.
Seeing the group grow since it started 18 months ago, with so many people choosing to return week after week, has been incredibly rewarding.
I particularly enjoy the meetings where we talk about the gifts of recovery, sharing personal achievements and what we are grateful for. It is especially inspiring to see people who are further along in their recovery journey encouraging those who are just beginning.’
For Motiv8 those words capture something truly special. Every week people walk through the door carrying different stories, different struggles and different hopes for the future. Some arrive feeling isolated or uncertain. Others have been attending for months and now offer a reassuring smile to someone attending for the very first time.
Together they celebrate the big milestones and the small victories that might otherwise go unnoticed. They share gratitude, encouragement and laughter. They remind one another that recovery isn’t about being perfect, it is about continuing to move forward, one step at a time.
Over the past 18 months, the group has grown into its own community, with many members returning week after week. The familiar faces, shared experiences and genuine friendships that have developed are a powerful reminder that recovery doesn’t have to be faced alone.
One of the most inspiring parts of the group is seeing those who are further along in their recovery journey becoming a source of hope for others. Their experiences show that change is possible and that brighter days really do lie ahead. In doing so, they become living proof that recovery can happen.
At Motiv8, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. Our Peer Mentor Take Over Tuesday group is built on those values, creating a place where people can feel accepted exactly as they are, while being encouraged to become the person they want to be.
Groups last for 1 hour from 11am to 12 noon, Motiv8 is based in Douglas on Woodbourne Road, in a discreet building with no signs outside to keep confidentiality. Access to us by foot is easy from all ends of the city with a short walk from the centre, we are on the bus route with stops close to the building and disk parking is available on the surrounding streets.
If you or someone you know could benefit from connecting with others who truly understand, we would love to welcome you. You don’t have to face recovery alone. Sometimes, hope begins with a simple conversation.
Please contact us on:
Freephone 0808 1624 627
WhatsApp 07624 388750
Email contact@motiv8.im
Check out our website www.motiv8.im
